Published date
News type
National news

A new survey by the Stroke Association shows that almost half of people don’t know that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke, one of the leading causes of death and disability.

This is really worrying because more than ten million people in the UK have been diagnosed with high blood pressure – and many more are unaware that they have the condition.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, being physically inactive and sitting for long periods, can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and being an unhealthy weight, all of which increase your risk of stroke. You can start to reduce your risk of stroke by making small changes to your lifestyle.

To launch the first ever national Stroke Prevention Day on Thursday 14 January, we worked with our partners at the Rotary Club, LoSalt and OMRON Healthcare to help you make #OneSmallChange to reduce your risk of stroke.

It’s often easiest to start off small and pick something that’s achievable for you. 

This may be swapping your after-work alcoholic drink for a soft one, getting up and moving regularly during the day, cutting down on salt or sugar, or joining an online exercise group. 

Make your pledge here and you'll receive tailored advice, plus three monthly emails with hints and tips.

We’d like you to pledge to make the change for three months, then let us know how you get on and how you found ways of sticking to your pledge.

The things you tell us will help others across the UK to reduce their risk of stroke and lead a healthier lifestyle in 2021.